Therapeutic Support Paraeducator

Posted: July 28, 2026 Closed: August 4, 2026

Employment Opportunity: Shrewsbury Public Schools

POSITION: Therapeutic Support Paraeducator

2026-2027 School Year

Shrewsbury Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a Therapeutic Support Paraeducator (TSP), who supports the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development of students in various educational settings. This role is working under the guidance of a licensed professional, due to the individual nature of the student’s needs. TSPs ensure students receive individualized accommodations.

This position works 33.75 hours per week when school is in session. Extended School Year (summer program) is not required, but may be available.

The pay rate for this position is $26.61-$31.49 per hour, based on years of experience in a similar role.

Shrewsbury Public Schools welcomes your interest in the role. We are dedicated to our mission, values, and strategic commitments!

We are interested in candidates who are invested in the achievement, equity, and access of all learners in and beyond the classroom.

Candidates with diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, class, and/or gender background and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Find more information about Shrewsbury Public Schools at https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Support

· Reinforce curriculum topics previously introduced by a teacher, implementing modifications and carryover plans.

· Administer curriculum-based and classroom assessments under teacher guidance.

· Facilitate student note-taking and scribing when needed.

· Support the organization of materials, assignments, and schedules to promote student independence.

· Assist students in accessing technology, including Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.

· Provide support for students during MCAS and other standardized tests, ensuring accommodations are implemented.

Behavioral Support

· Utilize trauma-informed practices to support students in meeting expectations, reducing behaviors, and building thinking and problem-solving skills.

· Implement individualized behavior support plans with fidelity while maintaining a neutral demeanor.

· Collect and summarize behavioral data, including anecdotal, frequency, duration, and momentary time sampling.

· Proactively modify the environment to address individual student needs and anticipate potential triggers.

· Implement positive reinforcement systems and schedules of reinforcement to promote desirable behaviors.

Social-Emotional Support

· Utilize trauma-informed practices to support student’s cognitive flexibility, social thinking and emotional and self-regulations skills.

· Facilitate social-emotional learning competencies, including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.

· Create opportunities for students to build positive peer relationships and engage socially.

· Model and coach coping strategies to support emotional regulation.

Student Independence and Life Skills

· Provide direct support for vocational training, pre-vocational skills, and community-based instruction.

· Assist with daily living skills, including medical and hygiene-related tasks, as necessary.

· Follow prompting hierarchies and fading criteria to encourage independence.

· Facilitate student participation in school routines, self-care (including toileting needs), and transitions throughout the day.

Collaboration and Communication

· Share observations and insights about student performance and needs with teachers and other school personnel.

· Maintain daily communication logs and critical incident documentation.

· Assist in fostering family-school partnerships by relaying relevant information as directed by the teacher.

Other Responsibilities

· Carry out assigned tasks across various classrooms, grade levels, and buildings as student needs evolve.

· Support students with pro-social communication and relationship-building opportunities throughout the day.

· Uphold classroom and school rules while modeling appropriate behavior.

Qualifications:

· Required:

o High school diploma or equivalent.

o Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, students, and families.

o Commitment to maintaining student confidentiality.

· Preferred:

o Experience working with students with special needs.

o Familiarity with behavior intervention strategies and trauma-informed practices.

o Willingness to be trained in Safety Care and Trauma Informed best practices if necessary.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to lift and support students weighing up to 50 pounds, as needed.

· Engage in physical tasks such as kneeling, bending, and standing for extended periods in order to work with students and keep them safe.

· Ability to respond quickly to student needs or emergencies.

The physical demands described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:

Paraeducators work in diverse educational settings, including general and special education classrooms, vocational training sites, and community-based environments. Flexibility and adaptability are essential as assignments may change to meet evolving student needs.

Application Process:Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three current professional letters of reference, including one from a direct supervisor, professor, or evaluator.

Please apply via www.schoolspring.com

Internal candidates should express their interest to Kristin Herrick at kherrick@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us with a cc to Jackie Marcello at jmarcello@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us

The Shrewsbury Public Schools is an affirmative action employer, ensuring that its programs and facilities are accessible to the public. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, gender identity, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions, national origin, homelessness, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status or class protected by state or federal law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.61 - $31.49 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27 - $31